Floor Lamp Switch Problem

[Electrical Beginner]

Hi. I wonder if anyone can point out what I'm missing here!!

I have a floor lamp which works intermittently. The switch is a toggle switch the lever of which sticks out through a hole in the side. I have taken the lamp apart to check for a loose connection and when the switch is in the body there appears to be a loose connection in the switch wiring. However, once the switch is out of the body the lamp works fine! I have tried pushing the switch wires right over to one side to replicate how it sits in the body, but it still works just fine.

I guess I should just change the switch and see what happens, but wondered if anyone can explain why the switch is fine out of the body but not inside.

Thanks.

 

[Taylortwocities]

A photo might help as I/we can only guess what the switch looks like.
If it if secured by some sort of retaining collar, then maybe the collar is pulling the switch mechanism such that it does not make contact inside.

Its anyone's guess, but it sounds like a new switch is needed.

 

[PBC_1966]

Some of the cheap switches can develop a fault where they work when "hanging loose" but the slightest tension on the body once fixed into place and the result is intermittent connection on the contacts. Or vice versa.